Potassium Trioxalatoferrate

Delving into the Green World of Potassium Trioxalatoferrate(III)

The vibrant green crystals of potassium trioxalatoferrate(III), a fascinating coordination compound, hold a key to understanding the intricate world of coordination chemistry and its diverse applications. While seemingly a niche topic, this compound offers a rich learning experience encompassing crystallography, redox reactions, photochemistry, and even historical context. Its unique properties have led to its use in various fields, from photography to environmental remediation, making it a worthy subject for detailed exploration. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of potassium trioxalatoferrate(III), delving into its synthesis, properties, applications, and safety considerations.

1. Chemical Structure and Synthesis: Unraveling the Green Mystery

Potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) trihydrate, with the chemical formula K₃[Fe(C₂O₄)₃]·3H₂O, is a coordination compound where the central iron(III) ion (Fe³⁺) is surrounded by three bidentate oxalate ligands (C₂O₄²⁻). Each oxalate ligand coordinates to the iron ion through two oxygen atoms, forming a stable octahedral complex. The potassium ions (K⁺) balance the negative charge of the complex anion, and three water molecules are incorporated into the crystal structure as water of crystallization. This intricate arrangement dictates its distinctive properties.

The synthesis of potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) is relatively straightforward, although careful control of reaction conditions is crucial for obtaining high-purity crystals. A common method involves reacting iron(III) chloride with potassium oxalate in a slightly acidic aqueous solution:

2FeCl₃ + 6K₂C₂O₄ + 3H₂O → 2K₃[Fe(C₂O₄)₃]·3H₂O + 6KCl

The reaction proceeds via the stepwise replacement of chloride ions by oxalate ligands. Slow evaporation of the resulting solution allows for the crystallization of the complex. The purity and crystal size are influenced by factors like temperature, pH, and the concentration of reactants. Impurities can significantly affect the complex's photochemical properties, highlighting the need for meticulous synthesis techniques.

2. Properties: A Multifaceted Compound

Potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) exhibits several key properties:

Color and Appearance: Its characteristic emerald green color arises from the d-d electronic transitions within the iron(III) ion in its octahedral environment. The crystals are typically well-formed, ranging in size depending on the crystallization conditions.
Solubility: It's moderately soluble in water, forming a green solution. Its solubility is affected by temperature and the presence of other ions.
Photochemical Sensitivity: This is perhaps its most notable property. Upon exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, it undergoes a photochemical reaction, reducing the iron(III) to iron(II) and oxidizing the oxalate ligand. This process is exploited in actinometry, the measurement of light intensity.
Redox Properties: The iron(III) ion can be easily reduced to iron(II), and the oxalate ligand can be oxidized, showcasing its potential in redox reactions. This makes it a useful reagent in certain chemical processes.
Thermal Stability: The complex is relatively stable at room temperature but decomposes upon heating, releasing carbon dioxide and other gaseous products.

3. Applications: From Photography to Environmental Science

The unique properties of potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) have led to its application in diverse fields:

Actinometry: Its sensitivity to light makes it an ideal chemical actinometer, used to determine the intensity of light sources, particularly in photochemical studies. This application relies on the precise quantification of the iron(II) ions produced upon photolysis.
Photography: Historically, it played a role in early photographic processes, though it has been largely replaced by more modern techniques.
Environmental Remediation: Research explores its potential in photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. Its ability to generate reactive oxygen species upon irradiation makes it a promising candidate for removing organic contaminants from water.
Catalysis: Its redox properties could be exploited in catalytic reactions, though this area remains under active investigation.

4. Safety Considerations: Handling with Care

While potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) is not exceptionally toxic, standard laboratory safety practices should always be followed. Skin contact should be avoided, and appropriate eye protection is essential. The compound should be stored in a dark, cool place to prevent decomposition due to light exposure. Proper disposal methods should be followed, considering its potential environmental impact.

5. Conclusion

Potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) is more than just a pretty green crystal; it is a fascinating example of a coordination compound with significant practical applications. Its synthesis, properties, and applications showcase the beauty and utility of coordination chemistry. Understanding its behavior provides valuable insight into photochemistry, redox reactions, and the design of novel materials for diverse applications. Further research into its potential applications, particularly in environmental remediation and catalysis, remains an active and promising area of study.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Is potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) toxic? While not highly toxic, direct skin contact should be avoided, and appropriate safety measures should be taken during handling and disposal.

2. How can I store potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) to prevent decomposition? Store it in a dark, cool, and dry place, away from direct sunlight.

3. What are the by-products of its photochemical decomposition? The primary products are iron(II) ions, carbon dioxide, and potentially other oxidation products from the oxalate ligand.

4. Can potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) be used as a catalyst? Its redox properties suggest potential catalytic applications, but research in this area is still ongoing.

5. What are the challenges in using potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) for environmental remediation? Challenges include optimizing its photocatalytic activity, cost-effectiveness, and efficient separation from the treated water after the remediation process.

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Potassium ferrioxalate - Wikipedia Potassium ferrioxalate, also called potassium trisoxalatoferrate or potassium tris (oxalato)ferrate (III)[3] is a chemical compound with the formula K 3[Fe (C 2 O 4)3]. It often occurs as the …

POTASSIUM TRIOXALATOFERRATE(III) | CAS#:5936-11-8 9 Jan 2024 · Chemsrc provides POTASSIUM TRIOXALATOFERRATE(III)(CAS#:5936-11-8) MSDS, density, melting point, boiling point, structure, formula, molecular weight etc. Articles of …

Potassium tris (oxalato)ferrate (III) trihydrate - PubChem Potassium tris (oxalato)ferrate (III) trihydrate | C6H9FeK3O15 | CID 91886515 - structure, chemical names, physical and chemical properties, classification, patents, literature, biological …

Preparation of Potassium Trioxalatoferrate Trihydrate - UK Essays 24 May 2018 · The first step in the synthesis of Potassium Trioxalatoferrate(III) trihydrate, K3[Fe(C2O4)3].3H2O, is the preparation of Iron(II) oxalate. Ferrous ammonium sulfate reacts …

Potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) trihydrate, Thermo Scientific ... Potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) trihydrate is used in chemical actinometry to measure light flux. This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product …

Preparation of Potassium Trioxalatoferrate (III) - GCSE Science ... The preparation of potassium trioxalatoferrate (III) takes place in three stages. Firstly, ammonium iron (II) sulphate reacts with oxalic acid to give iron (II) oxalate and ammonium …

Preparation and analysis of potassium tris(oxalato)ferrate(III ... Determination of Molecular Formula of Potassium Tris(oxalato)ferrate(III) Trihydrate. Resonance 2022 , 27 (3) , 449-453. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-022-1333-2

The dc and ac properties of potassium trioxalatoferrate (III ... 1 Mar 2008 · The complex potassium trioxalatoferrate (III) trihydrate {K 3 (Fe (C 2 O 4) 3 · 3H 2 O)} was synthesised and characterised by energy dispersion X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X …

Potassium iron(3+) oxalate | C6H4FeKO12+2 | CID 24180941 Potassium iron(3+) oxalate | C6H4FeKO12+2 | CID 24180941 - structure, chemical names, physical and chemical properties, classification, patents, literature, biological activities, …

Ferrioxalate - Wikipedia Ferrioxalate or trisoxalatoferrate (III) is a trivalent anion with formula [Fe (C2O4)3]3−. It is a transition metal complex consisting of an iron atom in the +3 oxidation state and three …

The Synthesis, Chemistry and Magnetic Properties of Potassium ... Iron, perhaps the most familiar element in the first transition series, forms a large number of complexes. The purpose of this laboratory exercise is to synthesize a complex of iron(III), …

Thermal Decomposition of Potassium Trioxalatoferrate(III) … 27 Mar 2006 · The thermal decomposition of K3 [Fe (C2O4)3]·3H2O in solid state was studied by the thermogravimetric, the infrared spectroscopic and the manometri.

Potassium trioxalatoferrate (III) trihydrate - VWR Synonyms: Ferrate (3-), tris [ethanedioato (2-)-κO1,κO2]-, potassium, hydrate (1:3:3), (OC-6-11)-, Potassium iron (III) oxalate. CAS No.: 5936-11-8 Molecular Formula: K3Fe (C2O4)3.3H2O …

Potassium ferrioxalate | C6FeO12.3K | CID 9932777 - PubChem Potassium ferrioxalate | C6FeO12.3K or C6FeK3O12 | CID 9932777 - structure, chemical names, physical and chemical properties, classification, patents, literature, biological activities, …

Convenient procedure for the preparation of potassium trioxalatoferrate ... This note provides a convenient procedure for the preparation of potassium trioxalatoferrate(III), which can be quantitatively analyzed for water, iron, and oxalate by standard procedures …

Synthesis of Potassium Tris (oxalato) Ferrate (III) Trihydrate Purpose: The goal of this experiment was to synthesize the largest possible yield of a transition metal complex, potassium tris(oxalato) ferrate (III) trihydrate [K 3 Fe(C 2 O 4 ) 3 ⠂3H 2 O] in a …

POTASSIUM TRIOXALATOFERRATE(III) | 5936-11-8 23 Apr 2023 · POTASSIUM TRIOXALATOFERRATE(III) (CAS 5936-11-8) information, including chemical properties, structure, melting point, boiling point, density, formula, molecular weight, …

Potassium trioxalatoferrate synthesis - SSERC Potassium trioxalatoferrate(III) contains the complex ion, [Fe(C 2 O 4) 3] 3-in which three oxalate ions bind to an iron(III) ion in an octahedral arrangement. The oxalate ions behave as ligands. …

Trioxalatoferrate synthesis - SSERC Potassium trioxalatoferrate (III) can be prepared from ammonium iron (II) sulphate. A solution of the latter is first treated with oxalic acid to form a precipitate of iron (II) oxalate and ammonium …

Potassium Trioxalatoferrate

Delving into the Green World of Potassium Trioxalatoferrate(III)

1. Chemical Structure and Synthesis: Unraveling the Green Mystery

2. Properties: A Multifaceted Compound

3. Applications: From Photography to Environmental Science

4. Safety Considerations: Handling with Care

5. Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

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